The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities in Kowloon City today (February 14).

He first visited a shared service place operated by the Lok Sin Tong (LST) Benevolent Society, Kowloon and was briefed on the services provided by the LST as well as those of LST Lee Yin Yee United Centre - Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities, including services offered by a community canteen, a second hand electrical appliance shop and an after-school care unit.

Mr Cheung also learned from people of ethnic minorities about their New Year traditions and cuisine and observed ethnic minority women and children preparing festive food and spring couplets.

"While people from ethnic minorities have different cultural backgrounds, they treat Hong Kong as home. The Government including the Commission on Poverty which I chair attach great importance to the livelihood of ethnic minorities. We have all along been providing different support measures to facilitate their integration into our society," Mr Cheung said.

Mr Cheung then paid a visit to Eminent Rehabilitation Center Company Limited. It provides over 50 places under the Bought Place Scheme for Private Residential Care Homes for Persons with Disabilities. Apart from touring the facilities, he was briefed by its operator on the services provided by the Center, including daytime vocational training and community support services. He also talked to residents and wished them good health and happiness.

Mr Cheung said that the Government cares deeply about people with different disabilities. To meet their social and rehabilitation needs, the Policy Address announced that the Government would launch a four-year pilot scheme under which a district-based professional team comprising social workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists would be set up to provide outreaching services for residents of private residential care homes for persons with disabilities.